Visiting Kyoto and looking for unique experiences and/or guided tours to help you dive deeper? Then you’re in the right place! In this curated post you will discover some of the best and unique experiences in Kyoto – ranging from guided night tours, to traditional experiences, including Samurai classes.
These activities all offer various hours, allowing you to easily integrate them in your Kyoto itinerary. Continue reading to discover the best-rated experiences in Kyoto and find the perfect one for you!😍👇
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The Best Kyoto Walking Tours & Traditional Experiences
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1. Kyoto: Gion Geisha District Walking Tour
- 🕰️ Duration: 2 hours
- ❌ Cancellation Policy: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- 🗺️ Language: English
One of the best things to do in Kyoto is walking around the beautiful Gion, the Geisha District. Geishas, or Geiko in Japanese Dialect, are women who entertain teahouse guests through dancing, music, and other arts. Nowadays, they can be seen as ambassadors, as they represent Japanese culture.
On this highly-rated Gion walking tour, you will spend 2 hours walking around Kyoto’s most famous Geisha District. You will also explore Pontocho, another of Kyoto’s oldest Geisha Districts, famous for its nightlife and izakayas.
If you are someone who wants to dive deeper into traditional Japanese culture and learn about Geishas, and see them in person, this tour is perfect for you!
Note: You will see Geishas walking around the district as they head to their appointments, you won’t meet them.
This is one of the best Kyoto walking tours. Book your tickets here before it sells out!😍👇
2. Kyoto: Full-Day Best UNESCO and Historical Sites Bus Tour
- 🕰️ Duration: 8.5 – 9 hours
- ❌ Cancellation Policy: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- 🗺️ Language: English. Audio Guides include Spanish, Italian, German, and more!
Are you short on time in Kyoto, or struggling to figure out your icon-studded itinerary? If your answer is yes, then this best-rated, Kyoto Bus Tour is perfect for you!
During this day-long tour, you will get to visit all of Kyoto’s best temples, shrines, and other historical sites. This tour includes the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha, Bamboo Forest, and the Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). What’s great about this bus tour is that it allows you to visit hassle free, as many of these incredible must-see’s are far away from one another.
Spend a day in Kyoto as ✨passenger princess/prince✨ and focus only on enjoying the views with this tour. This day-long Best UNESCO and Historical Sites Bus Tour sells out quickly, so make sure to book your tickets asap!😍👇
3. Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Zen & Secrets
- 🕰️ Duration: 5 hours
- ❌ Cancellation Policy: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- 🗺️ Language: English & Italian
One of Kyoto’s most famous and beautiful sites is the Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama, where you surround yourself with over 10,000 bamboos. Not only that, but with Arashiyama having over 1000 years of history, you will walk in a historic place.
If you are someone who loves nature or you want to briefly escape the city life, the Bamboo Forest is the perfect place for you to visit!
During this best-rated, Arashiyama Walking Tour, you will visit many incredible parts of Arashiyama, including some hidden gems. Some places you’ll visit, besides the Bamboo Grove, include the Monkey Park, Kimono forest, and the Togetsukyo Bridge.
With a badge of excellence, book your tickets before they sell out!👇🤩
4. Gion: Night Owl Walking Tour
- 🕰️ Duration: 2 hours
- ❌ Cancellation Policy: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- 🗺️ Language: English
Gion, Kyoto’s beautiful Geisha District, is an area that must be visited both in the day and night time. Why? Because you’ll enjoy two different atmospheres, as the district transforms and becomes lantern-lit.
During this best-rated, night walking tour, you will spend two hours walking around Gion and learning about the Geishas, their lives, and local culture. During this tour you’ll also receive local tips and recommendations for izakayas.
Something I quickly realized during my time in Kyoto is that there is not much nightlife here, it’s a more quiet and serene city. Due to this, this night walking tour can offer you the opportunity to befriend fellow travelers and go out with them to izakayas post-tour!
Book your tickets here before they sell out!👇
5. Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House
- 🕰️ Duration: 45 minutes
- ❌ Cancellation Policy: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- 🗺️ Language: English
Did you know that the Kyoto Prefecture is home to some of the best tea in Japan? With that said, to dive deeper into the Japanese culture, you simply must attend a traditional Tea Ceremony in a traditional chaya (tea house).
Located in the stunning Sannenzaka street, this traditional chaya is found within the heart of the Gion District. Not only that, but this chaya sits within a beautiful Japanese Garden created by Ogawa Jihei VII, a famous landscape artist.
During this 45 minute ceremony, you will learn about the 500-year old history of tea ceremonies, sip on 2 cups of matcha, and indulge in a traditional Japanese sweet. During this ceremony, the tea master will show you how to make the perfect cup of tea. Once you learn the traditional Japanese ways, you will brew your own tea.
This best-rated, tea ceremony sells out quickly, so make sure to book your tickets now!🍵👇
6. Kyoto Samurai Experience
- 🕰️ Duration: 1h 30 min
- ❌ Cancellation Policy: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- 🗺️ Language: English & Japanese
Are you fascinated by Samurai, their history, and the incredible Katana swords? Then this is an experience you CANNOT miss out on!😍
During this best-rated, Samurai experience, you will be with be with an expert katana sword instructor. In these 2 hours, the instructor will teach you about the Bushido philosophies, how to handle a real katana, and guide you in a Zen meditation session. You will also try a traditional kimono, and practice swordsmanship basics.
With a Badge of excellence, the Kyoto Samurai Experience is one of the best Kyoto traditional experiences. Make sure to book your tickets now, before they sell out!😍👇
7. Ramen Cooking Class at Ramen Factory in Kyoto
- 🕰️ Duration: 1h 30 mins
- ❌ Cancellation Policy: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- 🗺️ Language: English & Japanese
One of the best souvenirs, in my opinion, is knowledge and skills – including new recipes. By learning how to make traditional food in Japan, you will always be able to travel through food when you’re back home.
During this best-rated, Ramen Cooking Class, you will learn how to make a traditional ramen from scratch. Once you’ve prepared your noodles, and personalize your bowl with flavors and toppings, you’ll get to enjoy your home-cooked ramen bowl.
Besides the cooking and eating, you will also dive deeper into Japan’s culture and history. You will also get to wear a fun apron and headband, and a photo.
This experience is perfect for foodies and any group, including families with children. With its Badge of Excellence, this is one of the best Kyoto food experiences. Make sure to book your spot before it sells out! 😋👇
Kyoto FAQs and Japan Prep
Is 2 days enough for Kyoto?
Kyoto is a city that you can easily spend one week in. Spending 2 days in Kyoto is not enough to see everything it offers, but it is enough to enjoy some of the main attractions – including Fushimi Inari Taisha and the Gion District. Here is how you can spend 2 days in Kyoto!
What is Kyoto best known for?
Kyoto is known as the “city of the 10,000 shrines”. To no surprise, Kyoto is best known for it’s endless shrines and temples, as well for its historic atmosphere and environment.
Haven’t booked your Stay in Kyoto yet?
When in Kyoto, you simply must stay in a traditional Ryokan, like Shiraume!😍 In terms of area, I strongly recommend the Shimogyo Ward – which is essentially the heart of Kyoto, and you’ll be close to the Kyoto Station.
More Information on Kyoto and Japan
- 23 ESSENTIAL Tips + Things to Know Before Visiting Japan
- Do’s and Don’ts in Japan: Etiquette Guide for New Visitors
- Do I really need a JR Pass in? Here’s Everything You Need to Know!
- How to Spend the Best 2 Days in Kyoto
- 7 Temples and Shrines in Kyoto to Not Miss Out On
- The 8 Best Day Trips from Kyoto Under 2 Hours
- 7 Reasons to Visit Kyoto
- Which is better, Osaka vs Kyoto? Guide for First Time Visitors
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I have to ask…
Which of these Kyoto traditional experiences or walking tours are you the most excited about? Furthermore, did this post help you feel more at ease about your Japan travels? Let me know in the comments!😊
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